Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 246 Ava: Off-Kilter

Staying in the training room for another week is mental torture.

The training isn't the worst part.

It's the tedium.

Vanessa and Marcus are tense and jumpy, even with nothing happening.

Sometimes, the weird training room turns into a quiet beach. In an unfortunate twist, the room can't emulate scent, so it doesn't help much as a change of venue.

Once I'm able to summon fire with ease, Magister Orion announces that it's a great time to return to the Fae Ward.

The clock on the wall shows eighteen hours have passed since we entered.

"Despite sleeping in here, your mind and body aren't truly rested. You should sleep once we return."

"No, I need to see if Selene's returned," I protest, swaying on my feet. The idea of sleep is tempting, but the worry gnawing at my gut won't let me rest. "What if something's happened?"

Magister Orion's eyes soften. "Ava, I assure you, if any important news arrives, I will wake you immediately. But right now, your mental faculties need replenishing. You've pushed yourself hard. While this room is convenient for fast-tracking your training, it comes with downsides."

"Days?" I blink, the concept of time slipping through my fingers like sand. "It's only been eighteen hours."

"There, yes. And in here, it's been two weeks."

Right. I knew that.

I'm just a little confused.

My body betrays me with a jaw-cracking yawn. Vanessa steps forward, her hand gentle on my arm. "He's right, Ava. You're dead on your feet."

Marcus grabs my other arm, holding me upright. It's only then that I realize I was tilting to the side.

Their concern warms me, but anxiety still coils in my chest. "But what about Lucas?"

will keep our ears to the ground," Magister Orion says firmly. "Eight hours of sleep,

ready to snap back, but Vanessa's voice distracts me. "He's

fight drains out of me, leaving behind a bone-deep weariness. "Fine," I concede, "but wake me if

solemnly. "You have my

room, the sudden shift back to the ornate halls of the Fae Ward makes my head spin. Vanessa steadies me, concern etched on her face. "Easy

I think I'm smiling. Honestly, everything's a little fuzzy and the world is off its axis. "I'm fine.

tilts me back into a proper angle to the floor. "I'll

down my tongue; I'm not even sure the words came

I'm stumbling with every step. The bed looks

us the luxury of showers, but it couldn't give us new clothes.

feel gross against the clean, cool

murmurs, her voice already fading as I drift

* * *

persistent sense of urgency. I'm running, always running, but I can't remember what I'm

reach a clearing, and a small stream

I

it, but something tells me it isn't

my entire body's screaming

water darkens. It goes from crystal clear and blue to murky brown, and there's something moving in

of red in the trees, and a menacing presence that

suddenly, I'm

white wolf with clear blue eyes stares at me, the only color in her

* * *

where I am. The soft bed and ornate furnishings of the Fae Ward come into focus slowly. I blink, disoriented, and reach for my phone out of habit. It's dead, of

Oh, wait. It's not.

but

My entire body hurts, like Jericho's been putting

She's perched in

was I out?"

ten hours. Magister Orion said to let

only slept ten minutes. "Why didn't you wake me?

And before you ask, no, we haven't been able to reach Lucas or